Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-03-12
A HORRIBLE STORY.
SIXTEEN SKULLS IN A CAVE.
Numerous Disappearance Explained.

SEDAN, KAs., March MANY of
the most mysterious and startling
events have occurred in the country
during the past three years, and by
horrible and most sensational dis
covery made in the Flint hills, the
key has been obtained to the series
of mysteries. In July, 1888, a fami-
ly by the name of Fentwek arrived
from New York, and proceeded by
team to the southwest corner of the
country, where they camped. Being
In search of health and having at
command q plentiful supply of mon
ey, they made their camp pleas
ant place and seemed to be supreme
ly happy. The birthday of the
youngest child, little Katie, took
place about week after their arri-
val, and the event was celebrated by
little feast and jollification.
Her father.ever indulgent, yielded
to the wish of the little maiden, and
presented her with locket of all
tique workmanship, and of consider
able value. After the happy dinner
was over Katie, the child, strayed,
laughing and singing away from the
camp, and was
NEVER SEEN AGAIN.
Becoming alarmed at her prolong-
ed absence, the father made frantic
but fruitless search. Almost dis
tracted with grief, he returned to
camp, just in time to seek shelter
from the most violent storm that
probably ever visited Chautauqua
county. Trees were uprooted and
the brawllng streams became over
flowing rivers. When the tempest
subsidized, search party was got to-
gether, and, although among them
were some of the most expert track
ers in the Cherokee nation, no trace
of Katie could be discovered. Itwas
believed that she had been drowned
in some Of the swollen streams.
Early in December, George Bitters,
the halfbreed L all carrier started on
his tri-weekly trip from Sedan to Pc
ru, and meyer arrived. His horse
was found by searching party
quietly feeding in the dense timber
and stripped Of saddle and bride.
In the spring of the next year Ell
mer Johnson started out to hunt
squirrels and failed to return. His
gun was found with the stock brok
en-, and beside it lay his hat with
PROPULSION OF BLOOD
upon it, but the boy himself had dis
appeared as mysteriously as the
others. 1t was thought at the time
that he had been killed by either a
bear or a.puma. Last September a
party of young men who had been
camping just across the line in the
territory arrived in Sedan and told
of finding covered wagon with the
skeletons Of two horses tied to it.
Upon investigation the facts were
found to be as they were stated.
The wagon was old and weather
beaten, and, as near as could be
judged, had been in the same posi-
tian as much as year. No trace of
human beings could be found. On
February -, Oscar Beach, in COM
pany of Frank Reveor, half Greek
and Mulatto, was hunting within
mile of the nation line. They separ-
ated, and Beach was never again
seen. The half.breed was suspected
of having murdered his companion
but nothing come of it. When the
ID. M. & A. railroad, which will have
cars running here next week, began
the grading and cutting at what is
known as the Cascade they brought
geng ofItalians under the manage
ment of an Irishman, Pat Durfee by
name, who is almost a prodigy of
strength. Durfee had habit Of
wearing heavy gold chain. For
several consecutive nights the Ital
ians, who camped in the timber in
weather-beaten tents, complained
that they were frequently aroused
by some one bowling about the
camp. Durfee ridiculed their fears,
but became impressed with their
earnestness, and so remained on the
watch in the midst of the camp. He
fell asleep, but was aroused by feel
ing his watch chain torn from him,
and sat up, only to see figure
bounding away in the starlight.
Plucking forth his revolver he fired,
and the figure fell, with
YELL OF PAIN AND FURY